This month has been awesome! Aaron Marks made a terrific special, which sadly ends today. Thanks to all the readers who sent his questions. Below are the answers to them. Designing Sound Reader: How often do you use your musical background in sound designing a film or video game? Do you pitch certain hard FX or drones to musical notes to strike emotional chords in … [Read more...]
Aaron Marks Special: A Practical Guide to Field Recording [Part 2]
Field recorder choices In addition to choosing the most practical and highest quality microphone (as discussed in Part 1 of this article), the second half of the field recording ‘equipment’ equation is the trusty field recorder. We’ve come quite a long way in mobile recording technology in just the past few years and while it might seem to improve the chances of capturing … [Read more...]
Aaron Marks Special: A Practical Guide to Field Recording [Part 1]
Field recording is defined as any recording made outside of a controlled studio environment. So, pretty much any audio recording you make whether it’s in a garage, your backyard or out in the middle of nowhere is considered field recording. Recording inside a studio is already challenging enough, but add in portable equipment, wind noise, airplanes, birds and all of those … [Read more...]
Aaron Marks Special: Disciplines of Sound Design, Required Sounds, Sound Design Thought Process and Development Cycle
This is an excerpt from Game Audio Development. It's used by permission of Delmar/Cengage Learning. Chapter 3 - Disciplines of Sound Design There is a variety of disciplines requiring proficiency for a successful game sound design career. Since games utilize an assortment of sound styles, a good sound designer will need the knowledge to work expertly within each area to create … [Read more...]
Aaron Marks Special: Function of Game Sound Effects
The following article is an excerpt from Game Audio Development (Chapter 3). It's used by permission of Delmar/Cengage Learning. Introduction Sound effects have an incredible influence on the overall game experience. While a game may be able to get by without music or dialogue, one without sound effects will be very disappointing. It’s inconceivable to think of players firing … [Read more...]
Aaron Marks Special: Recording Sounds for "Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising"
The crew of On Your Mark Music Productions spent a week at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center (MCAGCC) in 29 Palms, California not only enjoying the desert temperatures of 100 plus degrees but a rare up close and personal experience with highly motivated, war-hardened Marines and their incredible machines. Contracted by Codemasters for their video game release, … [Read more...]
Aaron Marks Special: Creating Sound Effects for Games
This article is an excerpt of the The Complete Guide to Game Audio. It's used with permission from Focal Press. Sound effects are an integral part of any game, equal in importance to artwork, music and game play. Good sound effects create an impact which rounds out the entire gaming experience; without them, that experience would suffer. They are designed to completely absorb … [Read more...]